Udupi: The Department of Mines and Geology has collected Rs 4,33,76,664 in fines over the past four years for illegal mining, transportation and storage of various materials, including stone, sand and soil in the district.

According to Senior Geologist Vindhya M N, a total of 906 cases related to illegal building stone mining, storage and transportation were registered between 2023 and the end of January 2026. Of these, 24 cases are before the court. The department collected fines amounting to Rs 2,65,65,315 under this category.

In cases related to illegal mining, storage and transportation of ordinary sand, 402 cases were registered, including three court cases. A fine of Rs 83,15,710 was collected.

For shell stone (kappechippu) related violations, a total of 13 cases were registered between 2023 and 2025, with fines amounting to Rs 2,33,020.

In the case of laterite stone, 192 cases were registered, including six court cases, and fines worth Rs 50,58,015 were collected.

The department also registered 13 cases related to silica sand and collected Rs 11,15,221 in fines.

For illegal handling of ordinary soil, 63 cases were registered, including four court cases, and the department collected Rs 17,92,590.

Two cases related to clay soil were registered, with fines amounting to Rs 98,371. Officials noted that no such cases were reported during the 2024-25 financial year.

In addition, four cases related to ornamental stone were registered, leading to the collection of Rs 1,98,422 in fines.

The department said the action was taken against illegal mining, transport and stockpiling activities across the district during the period from 2023 to January-end 2026.